Sight Glass problem

swens55 · 03-11-2012, 07:56 PM

I have a problem seeing the oil level on my 1600 Nomad. Just wondered if anyone has come up with an easier way to check the oil level.

AlabamaNomadRider · 03-11-2012, 07:59 PM

Pick up a mirror at an auto parts store, the ones with the handle that extends. Then sit on your bike and hold it level move the mirror into position and you can see your oil level while sitting on the bike.

**Rasta** · 03-11-2012, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlabamaNomadRider

Pick up a mirror at an auto parts store, the ones with the handle that extends. Then sit on your bike and hold it level move the mirror into position and you can see your oil level while sitting on the bike.

yoda · 03-11-2012, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlabamaNomadRider

Pick up a mirror at an auto parts store, the ones with the handle that extends. Then sit on your bike and hold it level move the mirror into position and you can see your oil level while sitting on the bike.

That's what I do as well, although at times I simply put a 2x6 under the kickstand or just balance the bike while kneeling beside it. The mirror is the safest way to do it though...

mrtelefoneman1 · 03-11-2012, 08:39 PM

Do what I do and wake your wife up, make her sit on the bike and kneel down and check it. Then you get breakfast right after. I'm not saying that I do but maybe you would.

cactusjack · 03-11-2012, 08:41 PM

I use the dipstick while the bike rests on its sidestand. Oh, sorry...forgot where I was for a moment.

exharley · 03-11-2012, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I use the dipstick while the bike rests on its sidestand. Oh, sorry...forgot where I was for a moment.

I use the dipstick on my bike too. But for some reason, she resents being called that.

**ringadingh** · 03-11-2012, 09:40 PM

I kneel down and look while holding the bike vertical.

Monkeyman · 03-11-2012, 10:40 PM

...

**cnc** · 03-11-2012, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkeyman

How do you expect her to get any exercise if all she does is sit on the bike? Help her out and have her kneel down. Besides, it's YOUR bike, right? Wouldn't your wife feel bad if the bike fell over while SHE was sitting on it? You don't want her to feel bad, do ya?

I usually get my wife to kneel down too.

elvis · 03-11-2012, 10:52 PM

It is easy with some practice:

-Kick stand down (just in case)
-Apply front break while you are standing on the right side of the bike
-Bring the bike to upright position, you're still holding the break to immobilize the bike
-Right knee on the right engine guard to support the bike
-Left knee down on the ground to support yourself
-You should be able to check level safely now
-Once done, slowly put the bike back on the kick stand.

I know it is a 800-pound bike, I learned this technique from a small built mechanic and it works.

**Top Cat** · 03-11-2012, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elvis

It is easy with some practice:

-Kick stand down (just in case)
-Apply front break while you are standing on the right side of the bike
-Bring the bike to upright position, you're still holding the break to immobilize the bike
-Right knee on the right engine guard to support the bike
-Left knee down on the ground to support yourself
-You should be able to check level safely now
-Once done, slowly put the bike back on the kick stand.

I know it is a 800-pound bike, I learned this technique from a small built mechanic and it works.

I can see me laying under the bike now yelling for Cindy to come and help.

**schoeney** · 03-12-2012, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I use the dipstick while the bike rests on its sidestand. Oh, sorry...forgot where I was for a moment.

Yeah.....and it is usually low

That will teach you to remember where you are before you comment.

**nomadbehappy** · 03-12-2012, 09:36 PM

+1 on the mirror

No way I'm engaging in the comments about our wives helping, that is suicide

**cnc** · 03-12-2012, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomadbehappy

+1 on the mirror

No way I'm engaging in the comments about our wives helping, that is suicide

Only if she reads it.

03-11-2012, 07:56 PM	#1
swens55 Jr. Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Williams, Arizona Posts: 14	Sight Glass problem I have a problem seeing the oil level on my 1600 Nomad. Just wondered if anyone has come up with an easier way to check the oil level. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-11-2012, 07:59 PM	#2
AlabamaNomadRider Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Boaz, Alabama Posts: 13,742	Pick up a mirror at an auto parts store, the ones with the handle that extends. Then sit on your bike and hold it level move the mirror into position and you can see your oil level while sitting on the bike. __________________ Gene Cross, Jr. Boaz, Alabama KawaNOW/VBA #1181
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03-11-2012, 08:39 PM	#5
mrtelefoneman1 Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Zanesville, OH Posts: 315	Do what I do and wake your wife up, make her sit on the bike and kneel down and check it. Then you get breakfast right after. I'm not saying that I do but maybe you would. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-11-2012, 08:41 PM	#6
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	I use the dipstick while the bike rests on its sidestand. Oh, sorry...forgot where I was for a moment. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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03-11-2012, 09:40 PM	#8
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	I kneel down and look while holding the bike vertical. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
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03-11-2012, 10:40 PM	#9
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	... __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860 Last edited by Monkeyman; 03-13-2012 at 12:11 AM.
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03-11-2012, 10:52 PM	#11
elvis Sr. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,785	It is easy with some practice: -Kick stand down (just in case) -Apply front break while you are standing on the right side of the bike -Bring the bike to upright position, you're still holding the break to immobilize the bike -Right knee on the right engine guard to support the bike -Left knee down on the ground to support yourself -You should be able to check level safely now -Once done, slowly put the bike back on the kick stand. I know it is a 800-pound bike, I learned this technique from a small built mechanic and it works. Last edited by elvis; 03-11-2012 at 11:23 PM.
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03-12-2012, 09:36 PM	#14
nomadbehappy Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Barrie, ON Posts: 332	+1 on the mirror No way I'm engaging in the comments about our wives helping, that is suicide __________________ Brian Muscat bamuscat@gmail.com Barrie, ON KawaNOW #1404 2008 Kawasaki Nomad (Ultra) *Red* and Black because they're the fastest colours! Winter is nature's way of telling us to add more *Chrome!*
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